الرياض ,المملكة العربية السعودية

Salaah

Question: What is the ruling of Islaam on offering Salaah (prayer) behind an Imaam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) who denies some of the Prophet’s Hadeeth such as the Hadeeth stating that magic was cast on the Prophet (peace be upon him) or the one prophesying the descent of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) near the end of time?

Answer: The one who denies the Ahaadeeth authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him), such as the two Ahaadeeth referred to above, is a liar and may be judged either to be a Faasiq (someone openly and flagrantly violating Islaamic law) or a Kaafir (disbeliever), according to that person’s state… read more here.

Question: Can a person be a disbeliever in spite of verbally saying: “Laa ilaahaa illaa Allaah” (There is no god in truth but Allaah)?

Answer: A person can be a disbeliever in the Sight of Allaah in spite of saying, “There is no god in truth but Allaah”, as the hypocrites who say it only by tongue, but their hearts have not believed in it, such as ‘Abdullaah ibn Ubay ibn Salool and suchlike… read more here.

Question: What is the ruling on those who refute some of the Saheeh (authentic) Hadeeth related in the Two Saheeh Books of Hadeeth (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim), such as the Hadeeth about the punishment and bliss in the grave, the Mi`raj (Ascension to Heaven), Sihr (sorcery), Shafaa`ah (intercession), and getting out of the Fire? What is the ruling on performing Salaah (Prayer) behind them and exchanging greetings with them or is it better to disassociate from them?

Answer: The scholars of Hadeeth should discuss the Riwaayah (the study of the text of a Hadith and how to apply it) and Diraayah (the study of the principles set to verify whether a Hadeeth is acceptable or not in terms of text and chain of narrators) of these Hadeeth with them to explain their authenticity and meanings… read more here.

Question: What is the ruling on offering Salaah (prayer) behind a clean-shaven Imaam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) who also mocks bearded men and orders them to shave their beard off?

Answer: It is not permissible to mock a bearded man as he grows his beard in compliance with the command of the Prophet (peace be upon him) thereof. Moreover, the mocker should be advised and instructed… read more here.

Question: Many of our colleagues do not offer Salaah (Prayer).Perhaps they used to offer Salaah regularly before leaving their homeland, but as soon as they indulged in the American life style, they abandoned Salaah and Sawm (Fast) and forgot Islaam. Some other colleagues and I advised them and called them to pray, but they did not respond. Are we absolved of liability before Allaah, especially that we live with them in the same accommodation?

Answer: If the case is as you have mentioned, you are free from liability and there is nothing wrong with living with them in case of necessity. You should keep advising them and call them to adhere to the Islaamic obligations with wisdom and good instruction, and debate with them in the best and most constructive way… read more here.

Question: Some scholars consider a person who abandons Salaah (Prayer) as committing Kufr ‘Amalee (disbelief in actions), and Kufr ‘Amalee does not put one beyond the pale of Islam except in exceptional cases like cursing Allaah (Exalted be He) and similar acts. Is a person abandoning Salaah considered an exception? If so, why is he considered an exception?

Answer: Not all the types of Kufr ‘Amalee (disbelief in actions) do not put one beyond the pale of Islaam… read more here.

Question: They interpret Kufr (disbelief) that takes a person out of Islaam as denial only, whereas a person who abandons Salaah (prayer) out of negligence is not a denier of its obligation. Or is there another type of Kufr that takes a person out of Islaam without involving denial?

Answer: Confining the Kufr that takes a person out of Islaam to denial only is incorrect… read more here.

Question: What is the opinion of the knowledgeable scholars on a man who contradicts decisive texts from the Qur’aan and authentic Hadeeth? Upon receiving advice and admonition, he says: “There is nothing wrong with what I do.” If he judges among people, he gives false judgments contradicting the Qur’aan and Hadeeth. This ruler rarely performs Salaah (Prayer) or Sawm (Fast). Moreover, he allies himself with disbelievers, wicked people and followers of corrupted creeds. He permits what has been forbidden by Allaah, like vowing to other than Allaah, drinking alcohol, dealing in Ribaa (usury/interest), taking bribes, dishonest and illegal transactions. He also mocks the religiously committed sincere scholars. He says that they are crazy people. Moreover, he seeks to be a ruler by rallying people around him, through lavish spending on them.People are inclined in his favor because he brings them benefits such as acquitting criminals, jailing their opponents and punishing innocent people. After winning, he makes illegal intercession with judges to acquit criminals and punish innocent people. He lavishes his money on evil things. People come to congratulate him, singing and beating drums. Is supporting or allying oneself with such a person permissible or prohibited in the purified Sharee‘ah? Is this man still judged to be a Muslim or outside the pale of Islaam? Guide us to the truth! May Allaah grant you the best reward in the everlasting abode. I am submitting this question to spread your answer on it all over Pakistan. Therefore, we beg for a speedy answer from your eminence.

Answer: If the reality is as you mentioned, then the person in question who has such a character is a Kaafir (disbeliever), whose Kufr (disbelief) has cast him outside the pale of Islaam. It is unlawful to support or ally oneself with him… read more here.

Question: Is the person who ignorantly commits any act of Kufr (disbelief) or Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship) considered a Kaafir (disbeliever)? Can they be excused because of their ignorance? Please, provide us with evidence.

Answer: A Mukallaf (person meeting the conditions to be held legally accountable for their actions) cannot be excused for worshipping other than Allaah, or offering sacrifices as a means of drawing closer to other than Allaah, or making a vow to other than Allaah, and other acts of worship that should be devoted to Allaah alone… read more here.

Question: Some people speak words that are tantamount to Kufr (disbelief) or Fisq (flagrant violation of Islaamic law) and justify it by saying: “I am just joking.” Are such people pardoned for doing so, if they are only joking?

Answer: It is strictly prohibited to tell blasphemous or bawdy jokes. Allaah (Exalted be He) says… read more here.

Question: A person who is a Muslim on both his mother’s and father’s side of the family, but refuses to pray or fast, and refrains from other acts of worship? Is it permissible to treat him like Muslims; to eat with him and so on?

Answer: If the state of this person is, as you mentioned; he refuses to pray, fast, or do other rituals of Islaam, he will be considered a Kaafir (disbeliever), which will put him beyond the pale of Islaam, according to the more correct of the two scholarly views. He should be asked to repent to Allaah for three days… read more here.

Question: I received a question from one of the employees in the identity card department stating that the people who newly embrace Islaam sometimes need to change their names especially if their meaning contradict Islaamic beliefs.It sometimes happens that some of them apostatize from Islaam. This requires the re-changing of their names again to the previous ones before Islaam. There are many Islaamic and non-Islaamic rulings that are dependent upon these changes like inheritance, marriage and personal status. Now, since the person asking this question works in the Civil Affairs Department, Identity Card Branch, will he be committing a sin if he changes the names of such persons? Does his work count as support to them in their Riddah (apostasy)? Moreover, he receives commands from his supervisors to do so. What is the ruling on this issue?

Answer: If you are aware that the person who wants to change his name is leaving Islaam and reverting to disbelief, you should not offer him any kind of help even though your supervisor orders you to do so… read more here.

Question: Allaah (Exalted be He) says (what means):And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning).Has Proof from Allaah been established against the people of the present time, leaving them no excuse for disbelief, or it still has not been established and scholars have to establish it?

Answer: If the Da‘wah (Call to Islaam) reaches anyone among the people living at this time, Proof from Allaah has been established against them (leaving them no excuse for disbelief and entailing punishment)… read more here.

Question: The year before last, I intended to perform Qiran Hajj (combining Hajj and ‘Umrah simultaneously). Once I reached Allaah’s Sacred House, I performed ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) and Tawaaf-ul-Qudum (circumambulation around the Ka‘bah on arrival in Makkah) at the same time. I had never visited the Ka‘bah before then. A day after this, I performed ‘Umrah on behalf of my dead mother. Since I had a lot of time before leaving to Minaa on the Day of Tarwiyah (8th of Dhul-Hijjah), the people whom I stayed with advised me to start Tahalul (removal of the ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah) and I did. On going to Mina, I assumed the state of Ihraam (ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah) anew and offered two Rak‘ahs (units of Prayer) with the intention of Ihraam for Hajj only in Masjid (mosque of) Tan‘im. I then changed my intention from Qiran Hajj (combining Hajj and ‘Umrah simultaneously) to Tamattu‘ Hajj (combining Hajj and ‘Umrah with a break in between). Is there anything wrong with my Hajj even though I slaughtered a Hady (sacrificial animal offered by pilgrims)? Is the Umrah I performed on behalf of my mother valid or is it impermissible to perform two Umrahs during the same Hajj season? Does any sin a pilgrim may commit after Hajj nullify his Hajj, given that to err is human?

Answer: The Hajj you have offered is Tamattu‘ Hajj (combining Hajj and ‘Umrah with a break in between) and you did well when you removed the ritual state for ‘Umrah… read more here.

Question: What is the ruling on a person who abandons Salaah (prayer), does not observe Sawm (fasting) during Ramadaan and makes a mockery of religious obligations and Sunnah such as growing a beard and shortening one’s garment (for men: to avoid the trailing of garment on the ground out of pride)? Please, clarify how to deal with such a person whether he is a brother, a father, or a friend?

Answer: The person who intentionally abandons Salaah may do so either out of negligence or out of denying its obligation. If he denies its obligation, he is a Kaafir (disbeliever) by scholarly consensus… read more here.

Question 162: Is it permissible to use water mixed with Javelle water (used as a disinfectant) for Wudoo’ (ablution)? What is the ruling if no other water is available?

Answer: If such substance which is mixed with water is not Najis (ritually impure) and does not cause the water to be given a different name, it does not cause water to lose its purity, and consequently a person may use it to perform Wudoo’… read more here.

Question 161: What is the ruling on the Wudoo’ (ablution) of some people who used water from a tank, then after a week discovered a dead pigeon inside it? They kept using water from the tank for Wudoo’ and Tahaarah (ritual purification) for a week before they discovered the dead pigeon until the smell of water changed. We appreciate your advice. May Allaah reward you with the best!

Answer: All the people who performed Wudoo’ from the water referred to in the question, after its characteristics had changed due to the death of a pigeon inside the tank, have to repeat the Salaahs (Prayers) for which they performed Wudoo’ from that altered water. This is because they have been performing Wudoo’ from Najis (ritually impure) water which does not remove the state of Hadath (ritual impurity that invalidates ablution). And Allaah knows best… read more here.

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Question 208: We are a group of people who memorize the Qur’aan; we meet every year on the day of the Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday) in the shrine of a Waliy (a pious person), where an annual celebration is held, in which children are circumcised and people offer Sadaqah (voluntary charity) to students, whether in the form of money or supplies. After the people go away, the students collect the money, each according to their standard and generosity, and hold an auction to sell the items given to them as Sadaqah. For instance, one of them asks the others, “What have you put in this piece of cloth?” They reply, “We have put health, wealth, obedience of children, etc.” Thus, this old piece of cloth is sold for many times its original price. This money is used to buy animals to be sacrificed in the shrine. The students stay in the shrine for a week, reciting the Qur’aan many times every night,and offering Salaah inside the shrine, given that the shrine is inside the chamber, and the chamber is inside the graveyard. What is the ruling on such a deed? Is it a means to become closer to Allaah or is it groundless in Sharee`ah? Please advise, may Allaah reward you!

Answer:First, Muhammad (peace be upon him) is our beloved Prophet; the most pre-eminent among the descendants of Adam; the last of prophets; the Messenger sent to all the people; and the first one to make Shafaa`ah (intercession) on the Day of Judgment. However, celebrating his Mawlid is a Bid`ah (innovation in religion), as neither he (peace be upon him) nor the Rightly-Guided Caliphs or the rest of his Sahaabah (Companions) did it, although they were the people who knew his Sharee`ah the most, the believers who loved him most, and they were keen on following and honoring him. If celebrating the Mawlid had been permissible, they would have done it. This was not authentically reported from him (peace be upon him) or from them; it is considered an innovated Bidd`ah. It was authentically reported that he (peace be upon him) said, If a person innovates things in our affairs for which there is no valid reason, these are to be rejected. Narrated by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim. Doing this in the shrine of a righteous person makes this Bidd`ah even more rejected and exceeding the limits in honoring the righteous people, which is considered evident falsehood...read more here.

Question 207: Is it permissible to attend celebrations that involve Bidd‘ahs (innovations in religion), like celebrating the Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday), the night of Mi‘raaj (Ascension to Heaven), and the night of mid-Sha‘baan, especially if the person believes that they are not permissible and intends to explain the truth for people?

Answer:Firstly, celebrating these days is not permissible. In fact, it is a condemned Bidd‘ah (innovation in religion).

Secondly, it is permissible to attend these celebrations only to object to them, explain the truth about them to other people, and instruct them that celebrating such events are Bidd‘ahs, which are not permissible to be done, especially if the person has good rhetorical skills and is unlikely to be influenced by their views. As to attending these celebrations for watching, having fun, or out of curiosity, it is not permissible. It involves partaking in Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islaamic law). It also increases the numbers of people participating in such Bidd‘ahs, and thus propagates them...read more here.

Question 206: Is it permissible to attend celebrations that involve Bidd‘ahs (innovations in religion), like celebrating the Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday), the night of Mi‘raaj (Ascension to Heaven), and the night of mid-Sha‘baan, especially if the person believes that they are not permissible and intends to explain the truth for people?

Answer:Firstly, celebrating these days is not permissible. In fact, it is a condemned Bidd‘ah (innovation in religion).

Secondly, it is permissible to attend these celebrations only to object to them, explain the truth about them to other people, and instruct them that celebrating such events are Bidd‘ahs, which are not permissible to be done, especially if the person has good rhetorical skills and is unlikely to be influenced by their views. As to attending these celebrations for watching, having fun, or out of curiosity, it is not permissible. It involves partaking in Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islaamic law). It also increases the numbers of people participating in such Bidd‘ahs, and thus propagates them...read more here.

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Question 205: In our country, there is a book entitled “Burdat Al-Madih” (A deviant eulogy composed in praise of the Prophet) used in making supplication. What is the ruling on this book? Will I be rewarded for reading it? Does this reading reach the Prophet (peace be upon him) as some people claim or not?

Answer: Instead, you should better read the Glorious Qur’aan as often as you can and the Adkaar (invocations and remembrances said at certain times on a regular basis) that are authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him), which will make you abandon reading this poem book and its like. Reading this type of books and its like as an act of worship counts as Bidd‘ah (innovation in religion). It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islaam) that is not part of it, will have it rejected.” In another narration: “Whoever does an action which is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islaam), will have it rejected.” Accordingly, reading such a book will earn you no thawaab (reward from Allaah). On the contrary, some of its verses involve phrases of major Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship) such as the poet’s saying: “O noblest of all creatures! I have none except you to whom I may resort when serious afflictions will befall me”, until his saying: “If you will not take my hand when my destined time should come, my feet will certainly slip. For this world’s good and ill but rely on your munificence. And from your knowledge is the knowledge of the Pen and Tablet.”...read more here.

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Question 204: There is a widely-circulated tradition observed by common Muslim people in our country and some of the upper class as well. They hold an annul remembrance gathering to commemorate the Mawlid (birthday) of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Someone starts the gathering by reciting some Aayaat of the Noble Qur’aan while sitting and then some scholars speak about the birth of the Prophet (peace be upon him) until the end when they tell people to stand up in reverence of Ahmad (one of the names of the Prophet, peace be upon him). They believe that the Prophet (peace be upon him) is not like humans, for – they believe, he is created from Allaah’s own Light, that he is present everywhere, seeing everything, and that he is everywhere, witnessing festivals of his birthday and listening to what they say. They stand up and chant:

O Prophet, peace be upon you! (Yaa Nabee Salaam ‘alayk)

O Prophet, peace be upon you! (Yaa Nabee Salaam ‘alayk)

O Messenger, peace be upon you! (Yaa Rasool Salaam ‘alayk)

O beloved, peace be upon you! (Yaa Habeeb Salaam ‘alayk)

Allaah’s Blessings be upon you! (Salawaatullaah ‘alayk)

Was this present wide-spread custom practiced at the time of the Sahaabah (Companions of the Prophet) and their Taabi‘oon (Followers, the generation after the Companions of the Prophet) or not?Is remembering the Prophet (peace be upon him) using these words and paying him reverence when mentioning his birth something good or bad? Sunnah or Bidd‘ah (innovation in religion)? Right or Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship)? Please, elaborate on the topic by citing examples of the practices of the Sahaabah and their Taabi‘oon (may Allaah be pleased with them all).

Answer:First, Holding a celebration to commemorate the Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday) is a Bidd‘ah that goes against the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Rightly-guided Caliphs and the Sahabah (Companions), may Allaah be pleased with them all. It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Whoever does an action which is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islaam), will have it rejected. His Eminence Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez ibn `Abdullaah ibn Baaz issued a detailed Fatwaa’ concerning the ruling on celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (peace be upon him)...read more here.

Question 203: There is a widely-circulated tradition observed by common Muslim people in our country and some of the upper class as well. They hold an annul remembrance gathering to commemorate the Mawlid (birthday) of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Someone starts the gathering by reciting some Aayaat of the Noble Qur’aan while sitting and then some scholars speak about the birth of the Prophet (peace be upon him) until the end when they tell people to stand up in reverence of Ahmad (one of the names of the Prophet, peace be upon him). They believe that the Prophet (peace be upon him) is not like humans, for – they believe, he is created from Allaah’s own Light, that he is present everywhere, seeing everything, and that he is everywhere, witnessing festivals of his birthday and listening to what they say. They stand up and chant:

O Prophet, peace be upon you! (Yaa Nabee Salaam ‘alayk)

O Prophet, peace be upon you! (Yaa Nabee Salaam ‘alayk)

O Messenger, peace be upon you! (Yaa Rasool Salaam ‘alayk)

O beloved, peace be upon you! (Yaa Habeeb Salaam ‘alayk)

Allaah’s Blessings be upon you! (Salawaatullaah ‘alayk)

Was this present wide-spread custom practiced at the time of the Sahaabah (Companions of the Prophet) and their Taabi‘oon (Followers, the generation after the Companions of the Prophet) or not?Is remembering the Prophet (peace be upon him) using these words and paying him reverence when mentioning his birth something good or bad? Sunnah or Bidd‘ah (innovation in religion)? Right or Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship)? Please, elaborate on the topic by citing examples of the practices of the Sahaabah and their Taabi‘oon (may Allaah be pleased with them all).

Answer:First, Holding a celebration to commemorate the Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday) is a Bidd‘ah that goes against the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Rightly-guided Caliphs and the Sahabah (Companions), may Allaah be pleased with them all. It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Whoever does an action which is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islaam), will have it rejected. His Eminence Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez ibn `Abdullaah ibn Baaz issued a detailed Fatwaa’ concerning the ruling on celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (peace be upon him)...read more here.

Question 202: There is a widely-circulated tradition observed by common Muslim people in our country and some of the upper class as well. They hold an annul remembrance gathering to commemorate the Mawlid (birthday) of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Someone starts the gathering by reciting some Aayaat of the Noble Qur’aan while sitting and then some scholars speak about the birth of the Prophet (peace be upon him) until the end when they tell people to stand up in reverence of Ahmad (one of the names of the Prophet, peace be upon him). They believe that the Prophet (peace be upon him) is not like humans, for – they believe, he is created from Allaah’s own Light, that he is present everywhere, seeing everything, and that he is everywhere, witnessing festivals of his birthday and listening to what they say. They stand up and chant:

O Prophet, peace be upon you! (Yaa Nabee Salaam ‘alayk)

O Prophet, peace be upon you! (Yaa Nabee Salaam ‘alayk)

O Messenger, peace be upon you! (Yaa Rasool Salaam ‘alayk)

O beloved, peace be upon you! (Yaa Habeeb Salaam ‘alayk)

Allaah’s Blessings be upon you! (Salawaatullaah ‘alayk)

Was this present wide-spread custom practiced at the time of the Sahaabah (Companions of the Prophet) and their Taabi‘oon (Followers, the generation after the Companions of the Prophet) or not?Is remembering the Prophet (peace be upon him) using these words and paying him reverence when mentioning his birth something good or bad? Sunnah or Bidd‘ah (innovation in religion)? Right or Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship)? Please, elaborate on the topic by citing examples of the practices of the Sahaabah and their Taabi‘oon (may Allaah be pleased with them all).

Answer:First, Holding a celebration to commemorate the Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday) is a Bidd‘ah that goes against the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Rightly-guided Caliphs and the Sahabah (Companions), may Allaah be pleased with them all. It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Whoever does an action which is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islaam), will have it rejected. His Eminence Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez ibn `Abdullaah ibn Baaz issued a detailed Fatwaa’ concerning the ruling on celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (peace be upon him)...read more here.

Question 201: Some people believe that it is obligatory to invoke peace and blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) once in their lifetime and anything that exceeds this is Mustahab (desirable).

Answer: Invoking Allaah’s peace and blessings upon the Prophet is Fard (obligatory, based on a definitive text), for Allaah’s Command in His Saying (Exalted be He): O you who believe! Send your Salaah on (ask Allaah to bless) him (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), and (you should) greet (salute) him with the Islaamic way of greeting (salutation i.e. Al-Salaamu ‘Alaykum ). The basic principle concerning the imperative mood is that it denotes obligation or duty. Since the command in the Aayah does not denote repetition, obligation (to do this) must be once in a lifetime and recurrence is desirable, based on the Hadeeths mentioned in this regard indicating the desirability of doing so (i.e., invoking peace and blessings upon the Prophet), except at the places specified by Hadeeths as being obligatory therein...read more here.

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Question 200: We live in a small village whose people adhere to the Sunnah from a long time ago. This is from the virtue of Allaah, and then the efforts of our ancestors (may Allaah be merciful with them). I accompanied some of them, and Allaah made them a reason for my guidance. I tried my best, praise be to Allaah, to spread the Sunnah in the country, and work for Da`wah (call to Allaah) to the utmost of my ability. I lead people in Salaah (prayer) since 1977, and after the incidents that have happened in Egypt recently, the ministry of Waqfs (Endowments) sent a Khateeb (preacher) to the Masjid (mosque) of our village. At the beginning, this Khateeb convinced us that he would pursue the same Manhaj (methodology) we adopt, and after he became firmly established in the Masjid, he began propagating the idea of putting a radio in the Masjid for people to listen to the recitation of the Qur’aan before the Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer, as is done in other Masjids in Egypt. Of course, there were many ignorant followers who agreed with him, and they put a radio connected to a loudspeakers before Salaah. I personally tried to prevent him from this act.

I even exposed him to the evidences stating the impermissibility of reciting the Qur’aan loudly where people offer their Salaah, and that such a deed is nothing but reviving a Bidd`ah (innovation in religion) and nullifying an act of Sunnah. He responded by arguing that if this was prohibited, then why is it widespread in all Masjids of Egypt? The matter has gone so far that they placed the body of a dead person in the bier right in front of the people before Jumu`ah Prayer, and after finishing it, we offered Funeral Prayer for him. I tried to prevent him from doing this before Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer due to the impermissibility of such a deed, but he refused and said that this is the opinion of Imaam Maalik who sees that it as a lesson for the living. I told him that Imaam Maalik regarded offering Funeral prayer in all Masjids as Makrooh (disliked). However, he remained deaf to my opinion, and was apparently convinced of his own. The path for newly invented Bidd`ahs has been paved by the coming of this Khateeb, and there will be more of such Bidd`ahs. I am really perplexed and do not know what to do, especially that there are those who want to adhere to the Sunnah, and shun the way to Bid`ah. It should be taken into consideration that this is the only Masjid in the village, and I am thinking of deserting this Masjid, and offering Salaah in one of the Sunni Masjids in Alexandria. However, if I do that, more kinds of Bidd`ahs will find their way, and those willing to adhere to the Sunnah will be without help, not to mention their inability to offer Salaah in other Sunni Masjids due to their scarcity in the rural areas and the countryside.

Answer:Firstly, It is not permissible to put a radio or the like to listen to the recitation of the Qur’aan loudly in the Masjid on Friday before the Imaam ascends the pulpit.

Secondly, It is permissible to offer the Funeral Prayer in a Masjid according to the most preponderant opinion of scholars which is supported by the sound evidences. However, the body of the dead person should not be placed in front of the people until the obligatory prayer is finished, then the bier is to be put between them and the Qiblah (Ka`bah-direction faced in Prayer) to offer the Funeral Prayer...read more here.

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Question 199: We live in a small village whose people adhere to the Sunnah from a long time ago. This is from the virtue of Allaah, and then the efforts of our ancestors (may Allaah be merciful with them). I accompanied some of them, and Allaah made them a reason for my guidance. I tried my best, praise be to Allaah, to spread the Sunnah in the country, and work for Da`wah (call to Allaah) to the utmost of my ability. I lead people in Salaah (prayer) since 1977, and after the incidents that have happened in Egypt recently, the ministry of Waqfs (Endowments) sent a Khateeb (preacher) to the Masjid (mosque) of our village. At the beginning, this Khateeb convinced us that he would pursue the same Manhaj (methodology) we adopt, and after he became firmly established in the Masjid, he began propagating the idea of putting a radio in the Masjid for people to listen to the recitation of the Qur’aan before the Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer, as is done in other Masjids in Egypt. Of course, there were many ignorant followers who agreed with him, and they put a radio connected to a loudspeakers before Salaah. I personally tried to prevent him from this act.

I even exposed him to the evidences stating the impermissibility of reciting the Qur’aan loudly where people offer their Salaah, and that such a deed is nothing but reviving a Bidd`ah (innovation in religion) and nullifying an act of Sunnah. He responded by arguing that if this was prohibited, then why is it widespread in all Masjids of Egypt? The matter has gone so far that they placed the body of a dead person in the bier right in front of the people before Jumu`ah Prayer, and after finishing it, we offered Funeral Prayer for him. I tried to prevent him from doing this before Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer due to the impermissibility of such a deed, but he refused and said that this is the opinion of Imaam Maalik who sees that it as a lesson for the living. I told him that Imaam Maalik regarded offering Funeral prayer in all Masjids as Makrooh (disliked). However, he remained deaf to my opinion, and was apparently convinced of his own. The path for newly invented Bidd`ahs has been paved by the coming of this Khateeb, and there will be more of such Bid`ahs. I am really perplexed and do not know what to do, especially that there are those who want to adhere to the Sunnah, and shun the way to Bid`ah. It should be taken into consideration that this is the only Masjid in the village, and I am thinking of deserting this Masjid, and offering Salaah in one of the Sunni Masjids in Alexandria. However, if I do that, more kinds of Bidd`ahs will find their way, and those willing to adhere to the Sunnah will be without help, not to mention their inability to offer Salah in other Sunni Masjids due to their scarcity in the rural areas and the countryside.

Answer:Firstly, It is not permissible to put a radio or the like to listen to the recitation of the Qur’aan loudly in the Masjid on Friday before the Imaam ascends the pulpit.

Secondly, It is permissible to offer the Funeral Prayer in a Masjid according to the most preponderant opinion of scholars which is supported by the sound evidences. However, the body of the dead person should not be placed in front of the people until the obligatory prayer is finished, then the bier is to be put between them and the Qiblah (Ka`bah-direction faced in Prayer) to offer the Funeral Prayer...read more here.

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Question 198: After every Friday Prayer, people in our country recite the following lines of poetry. Is this permissible? These lines read:

O Lord, I deserve not in Paradise to dwell,Nor can I endure the fire of Hell,So may you my repentance accept and my sins obliterate,For indeed You forgive sins, no matter how great.

Answer: A Muslim is allowed to make Du`aa’ (supplication) and to beseech Allah humbly at any time and in all circumstances. Allaah (Exalted be He) stated: And your Lord said: “Invoke Me, I will respond to your (invocation). Allaah also says: And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:Du`aa’ is the very core of worship However, chanting these lines of poetry after Friday Prayer is not an act of Sunnah. Rather, it is a forbidden act of Bidd`ah (innovation in religion). It is authentically confirmed that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: Whoever introduces any practice into this affair of ours that is not of it, it is to be rejected....read more here.

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Question 197: Is it an act of Sunnah or is it permissible to recite Soorah Al-Faatihah after performing the obligatory Salaah individually or in congregation? Appreciate your guidance, may Allaah reward you!

Answer: It is not an act of Sunnah to recite Soorah Al-Faatihah after performing the obligatory Salaah whether individually or in congregation...read more here.

Question 196: Some people may say, “Let’s recite Al-Faatihah for the soul of so-and-so!” or “Let’s recite Al-Faatihah for Allaah to make such-and-such work easy for us!” People then start reciting Al-Faatihah. Besides, a person may say, “Let’s recite Al-Faatihah” after he finishes reciting the Qur’aan. The listeners then start reciting Al-Faatihah. Also it is a habit of some people to recite Al-Faatihah as a betrothal ceremony. What is the ruling on all these deeds?

Answer: Reciting Al-Faatihah by the listeners after invoking Allaah, reciting the Qur’aan or as a betrothal ceremony is a Bidd`ah (innovation in religion). None of these deeds is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) or any of his Sahaabah (Companions) (may Allaah be pleased with them). In fact, it is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever does any act for which there is no sanction on our part, will have it rejected....read more here.

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Question 195: There is a group of people in our Masjid (mosque) who always repeat the phrase “Ya Lateef” (O Most Kind and Gentle) 122 times after reciting Allaah’s Noble Names. Is this valid?

Answer: This is not permissible, because this has not been reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him), who stated in an authentic Hadeeth: Whoever introduces any practice into this affair of ours that is not of it, it is to be rejected. And in another narration: Whoever performs an action not in accordance with our command, it is to be rejected....read more here.

Question 194: What is the ruling on those who make thikr (Remembrance of Allaah) in unison and raise their voices while jumping and swaying from side to side?

Answer: It is not permissible to do this, for this way is Bidd`ah (innovation in religion). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: He who innovates things in our affairs for which there is no valid (reason) (commits sin) and these are to be rejected....read more here.

Question 192: What is the Islaamic ruling on the following: Invoking peace and blessings upon the Prophet aloud after the congregational Salaah (Prayers), making Du`aa’ (supplication) collectively after offering Salaah, reciting a Hizb (a 60th portion of the Qur’aan) collectively, singing in different styles, and praying behind a blind Imaam who sometimes makes mistakes in recitation?

Answer: Firstly, invoking peace and blessing upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) is greatly rewarded and enjoined by Allaah (Exalted be He) in the Glorious Qur’aan. Additionally, the Prophet (peace be upon him) encourages Muslims to conduct this practice as it entails double reward based on the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) Hadeeth, If anyone invokes blessings on me once, Allaah will bless him ten times. Muslims are prescribed to invoke peace and blessings upon the Prophet when his name is mentioned, after reciting Tashahhud (testification recited in the sitting position in the second/last unit of Prayer) in Salaah, during delivering Khutbah (sermon) on Friday, marriage, and the like. We know of no proof showing that the Prophet (peace be upon him), the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them), or the leading scholars of Salaf (Righteous Predecessors) including Maalik, Aboo Haneefah, Al-Layth ibn Sa`d, Al-Shafi`ee, Al-Awzaa`ee and Ahmad (may Allaah be merciful to them) ever invoked peace and blessings upon the Prophet aloud after finishing Salaah collectively. The best a Muslim can do is to follow the guidance of the Prophet, the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, and the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them). It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours that is not part of it, will have it rejected....read more here.

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Question 191: What is the Islaamic ruling on the following: Invoking peace and blessings upon the Prophet aloud after the congregational Salaah (Prayers), making Du`aa’ (supplication) collectively after offering Salaah, reciting a Hizb (a 60th portion of the Qur’aan) collectively, singing in different styles, and praying behind a blind Imaam who sometimes makes mistakes in recitation?

Answer: Firstly, invoking peace and blessing upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) is greatly rewarded and enjoined by Allaah (Exalted be He) in the Glorious Qur’aan. Additionally, the Prophet (peace be upon him) encourages Muslims to conduct this practice as it entails double reward based on the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) Hadeeth, If anyone invokes blessings on me once, Allaah will bless him ten times. Muslims are prescribed to invoke peace and blessings upon the Prophet when his name is mentioned, after reciting Tashahhud (testification recited in the sitting position in the second/last unit of Prayer) in Salaah, during delivering Khutbah (sermon) on Friday, marriage, and the like. We know of no proof showing that the Prophet (peace be upon him), the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them), or the leading scholars of Salaf (Righteous Predecessors) including Maalik, Aboo Haneefah, Al-Layth ibn Sa`d, Al-Shafi`ee, Al-Awzaa`ee and Ahmad (may Allaah be merciful to them) ever invoked peace and blessings upon the Prophet aloud after finishing Salaah collectively. The best a Muslim can do is to follow the guidance of the Prophet, the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, and the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them). It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours that is not part of it, will have it rejected....read more here.

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Question 190: What is the Islaamic ruling on the following: Invoking peace and blessings upon the Prophet aloud after the congregational Salaah (Prayers), making Du`aa’ (supplication) collectively after offering Salaah, reciting a Hizb (a 60th portion of the Qur’aan) collectively, singing in different styles, and praying behind a blind Imaam who sometimes makes mistakes in recitation?

Answer: Firstly, invoking peace and blessing upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) is greatly rewarded and enjoined by Allaah (Exalted be He) in the Glorious Qur’aan. Additionally, the Prophet (peace be upon him) encourages Muslims to conduct this practice as it entails double reward based on the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) Hadeeth, If anyone invokes blessings on me once, Allaah will bless him ten times. Muslims are prescribed to invoke peace and blessings upon the Prophet when his name is mentioned, after reciting Tashahhud (testification recited in the sitting position in the second/last unit of Prayer) in Salaah, during delivering Khutbah (sermon) on Friday, marriage, and the like. We know of no proof showing that the Prophet (peace be upon him), the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them), or the leading scholars of Salaf (Righteous Predecessors) including Maalik, Aboo Haneefah, Al-Layth ibn Sa`d, Al-Shafi`ee, Al-Awzaa`ee and Ahmad (may Allaah be merciful to them) ever invoked peace and blessings upon the Prophet aloud after finishing Salaah collectively. The best a Muslim can do is to follow the guidance of the Prophet, the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, and the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them). It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours that is not part of it, will have it rejected....read more here.

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Question 11: I forgot to offer the `Asr (Afternoon) Prayer and then remembered an hour and a half later. It was the time when offering Salaah (Prayer) is Makrooh (disliked), so I delayed it and I offered it with Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer. What is the ruling on this?

Answer: If the case is as you mention, you have committed a mistake when you delayed the ‘Asr Salaah until sunset. You should repent and seek forgiveness from Allaah. If you forget an obligatory Salaah…read more here.

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Question 10: If someone commits suicide in anger can the Funeral Prayer be offered for them or not?

Answer: The Funeral Prayer should be offered for one who committed suicide. However, the Muslim ruler should refrain from offering it for them, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not offer the Funeral Prayer…read more here.

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Question 8:Who are the dead that a Muslim should offer Funeral Prayer for and who should not have the Funeral Prayer performed over them?

Answer: According to Shar’ee (Islaamic legal) proofs, the Funeral Prayer has to be offered on all dead Muslims; the righteous and the disobedient alike, as long as such disobedience did not lead to Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship)…read more here.

Question 10: A person forgot to make up the missed Maghrib (Sunset) salaah, and offered `Ishaa’ (Night) salaah, after which he remembered the missed Salaah, is his Salaah valid or not? What should he do in this case?

Answer: His `Ishaa’ (Night) Salaah is valid according to the more correct of the two opinions maintained by scholars. There is no blame on him and he is excused by his forgetfulness, for Allaah (Exalted be He) said…read more here.

Question 8: Will a mad person be held accountable for the misdeeds that he committed such as neglecting Salaah (Prayer), Sawm (Fast), Zakaah (obligatory charity), and son on? It should be noted that the person concerned was a normal person in the beginning of his life, but later became insane.

Answer: As for the period when the person concerned was sane, he will be held accountable for the deeds done then; rewarded for the good ones and punished for the bad ones. As for the period when he was insane, he will not be held accountable for the deeds committed then…read more here.

Question 6: My ninety-nine year old father was hit in a car accident. He was taken to a hospital where he remained unconscious for seventeen days during which he did not perform Salaah. When he recovered, he asked about making up for the missed Salaahs. Please advise!

Answer: If he was conscious during the period when he abandoned Salaah, he should make up for the missed Salaahs according to his ability, whether standing, sitting, or lying on his side or back. He should observe them in the same order from the first day missed starting with the first Salaah…read more here.

Question 4: If a person sleeps until sunrise, should he pray the two supererogatory Rak`ahs (units of Prayer) before offering the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer?

Answer: If one is overpowered by sleep and could not wake up until after sunrise, he should perform Fajr (Dawn) Prayer when he wakes up and should offer the Sunnah (supererogatory) Salaah before Fajr. It is authentically reported that the Messenger of Allaah… read more here.

Question 2: Is it permissible for a man who lives among a community of people who invoke help from other than Allaah to perform Salaah (prayer) behind them (when they lead the congregational prayers)? Is it obligatory to disassociate oneself from them? Is what they are doing count as major Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship)? Is making allies of them judged the same as making allies of true Kaafirs (disbelievers)?

Answer:If the state of the people you are living among is as you described: they call upon other than Allah for help, such as the dead, absent or unseen beings, trees, stones, stars, and the like, they are Mushriks (those who associate others with Allah in worship) who are committing major Shirk that take them out of the Din (religion) of Islam. It is not permissible to take them as allies, as is the case with the Kafir. Performing Salah behind them is invalid. It is also not permissible to associate with them or live… read more here.